Comments on: Ever Wonder About the "2 Months Salary" Guideline? Check this out. http://idazzle.com/2009/04/09/ever-wonder-about-the-2-months-salary-guideline-check-this-out/ an insider's guide to jewelry Thu, 03 May 2012 03:22:35 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: Monica http://idazzle.com/2009/04/09/ever-wonder-about-the-2-months-salary-guideline-check-this-out/comment-page-1/#comment-65 Monica Fri, 10 Apr 2009 23:34:07 +0000 http://idazzle.com/?p=343#comment-65 Very well said, Beatrice! Your guidelines are spot on. Some couples may not want rings at all, and instead choose to celebrate with a memorable trip, down payment on a house, etc. Other couples might want to opt for very simple bands with no stones, or maybe beautiful colored gems instead of diamonds. If people do choose to go with an engagement ring, it is SO important to do your homework to find the best value. I recommend doing some research online, but I agree with you that visiting reputable local jewelers will give you a better idea of what you want, and can provide service above and beyond what you will find online. There is nothing wrong with celebrating special occassions with jewelry. Just make sure you do it from your heart, not because you feel obligated. Thanks--Platinumgirl Very well said, Beatrice! Your guidelines are spot on.

Some couples may not want rings at all, and instead choose to celebrate with a memorable trip, down payment on a house, etc. Other couples might want to opt for very simple bands with no stones, or maybe beautiful colored gems instead of diamonds.

If people do choose to go with an engagement ring, it is SO important to do your homework to find the best value. I recommend doing some research online, but I agree with you that visiting reputable local jewelers will give you a better idea of what you want, and can provide service above and beyond what you will find online.

There is nothing wrong with celebrating special occassions with jewelry. Just make sure you do it from your heart, not because you feel obligated.

Thanks–Platinumgirl

]]> By: Beatrice http://idazzle.com/2009/04/09/ever-wonder-about-the-2-months-salary-guideline-check-this-out/comment-page-1/#comment-64 Beatrice Fri, 10 Apr 2009 02:51:45 +0000 http://idazzle.com/?p=343#comment-64 I think it is horribly tacky and see nothing helpful about it! It's a mere incitation to spend above your means if you can't afford something flashy enough. In my opinion, more useful guidelines would be: 1) Pay attention to your fiancée's tastes; she's the one who has to wear it. No point in splurging on a doorknob in a frilly setting if she's the understated type. Showing that you *know* her speaks volumes and is a much more meaningful gesture than showing how big your pocketbook is. 2) Figure out your budget and spend what is reasonable for you, in the same manner that you would for any major purchase (house, car...). What good is the big rock if you both end up miserable because you have to skimp on other things (wedding, leisure... or bills)? 3) Read up, do some research and go comparison-shopping so you understand the basics (price ranges, gem quality, metals...) and get your money's worth. 4) Find a reputable jeweler - patronize the local stores rather than chains! Speaking from personal experience, you are much likelier to get competent, attentive and personalized service there. Incidentally, I'd never heard of this rule before moving to the US :) I think it is horribly tacky and see nothing helpful about it! It’s a mere incitation to spend above your means if you can’t afford something flashy enough. In my opinion, more useful guidelines would be:
1) Pay attention to your fiancée’s tastes; she’s the one who has to wear it. No point in splurging on a doorknob in a frilly setting if she’s the understated type. Showing that you *know* her speaks volumes and is a much more meaningful gesture than showing how big your pocketbook is.
2) Figure out your budget and spend what is reasonable for you, in the same manner that you would for any major purchase (house, car…). What good is the big rock if you both end up miserable because you have to skimp on other things (wedding, leisure… or bills)?
3) Read up, do some research and go comparison-shopping so you understand the basics (price ranges, gem quality, metals…) and get your money’s worth.
4) Find a reputable jeweler – patronize the local stores rather than chains! Speaking from personal experience, you are much likelier to get competent, attentive and personalized service there.

Incidentally, I’d never heard of this rule before moving to the US :)

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